Frederick Kaeser

Frederick "Fritz" Kaeser II (1910-1990) was an American photographer who worked in Madison, Wisconsin, Aspen, Colorado, and the American Southwest. He also did photography for the U. S. Army during World War II. Kaeser and his wife Milly established an endowment for photography at Notre Dame University.

Early life Frederick Kaeser II was born on July 3, 1910 in Greenville, Illinois to a family of Swiss background. His grandfather, Frederick Kaeser, was one the original investors, in 1885, in the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company in nearby Highland, Illinois, which was home to many immigrants from Switzerland and Germany. Frederick(I)'s son Albert was later also involved in the company. Frederick II studied at the University of Illinois (industrial arts), at the University of Wisconsin, and at the Art Institute of Chicago,

Professional Work

After college, Kaeser worked as an assistant to Hollywood, CA portrait photographer William Mortensen. and architectural journals for the pioneering firm of Beatty & Strang, among others. (Kaeser's brother, William, was also an early modern architect in Madison, and designed a home there for Frederick II.)

Kaeser and his wife, Milly, built a summer home in Aspen, Colorado, and spent time there in the winter as well, where he became an early ski photographer. During World War II, Kaeser joined the 10th Mountain Division, based at Camp Hale, Colorado, and contributed to the division's newspaper. The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona has a collection of Kaeser's work, equipment, papers and correspondence, including with Adams and Minor White.

Later life "Fritz's Pet Milk inheritance enabled him to pursue a lifetime devoted to his hobbies." as well as donating some pieces of Kaeser's work.